Man reportedly threatened over money; another man arrested

Published: Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 5:13 p.m.

Last Modified: Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 5:13 p.m.

A Gainesville man who authorities say threatened to hurt or kill another man unless his family sent money was arrested Friday by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

Rahim Perry, 20, was charged with robbery and kidnapping by Deputy Kevin Davis, according to ASO.

The Sheriff’s Office said the incident began when Perry became upset with the victim, who reportedly owed him $240 after backing out of an agreement to sell his vehicle to Perry.

Perry threatened to hurt or kill the man unless he or his family paid him $2,000, ASO reported.

The man, fearing violence, called a family member in Arizona and requested that he send the money through Western Union. The relative agreed to send $750.

Perry then made several phone calls to the family member to make arrangements for delivery of the money, again threatening violence if the money was not sent, ASO said.

Perry accompanied the victim as he drove to the Publix at 3720 NW 13th Street, where surveillance video captured the victim getting the money and handing it over to Perry, according to ASO.

Authorities had been alerted and ASO asked for assistance from the Gainesville Police Department. As Perry left the store, he was detained by GPD officers, who had located the victim’s vehicle in the parking lot.

<p>A Gainesville man who authorities say threatened to hurt or kill another man unless his family sent money was arrested Friday by the Alachua County Sheriff's Office.</p><p>Rahim Perry, 20, was charged with robbery and kidnapping by Deputy Kevin Davis, according to ASO.</p><p>The Sheriff's Office said the incident began when Perry became upset with the victim, who reportedly owed him $240 after backing out of an agreement to sell his vehicle to Perry.</p><p>Perry threatened to hurt or kill the man unless he or his family paid him $2,000, ASO reported.</p><p>The man, fearing violence, called a family member in Arizona and requested that he send the money through Western Union. The relative agreed to send $750.</p><p>Perry then made several phone calls to the family member to make arrangements for delivery of the money, again threatening violence if the money was not sent, ASO said.</p><p>Perry accompanied the victim as he drove to the Publix at 3720 NW 13th Street, where surveillance video captured the victim getting the money and handing it over to Perry, according to ASO.</p><p>Authorities had been alerted and ASO asked for assistance from the Gainesville Police Department. As Perry left the store, he was detained by GPD officers, who had located the victim's vehicle in the parking lot.</p>